The Real Jugaad

Just a tiny teaser . . .

Overclocked to 979 MHz, with 50% overall increase in performance.

This ROM has a User Data Partition (commonly known as Internal Memory) of 321 MB.

System ROM is ~70 MB.

Uncountable tweaks. 

Every single component working, obviously better than stock & even CyanogenMod.

Antutu Benchmark score of 2425, Quadrant 998, and

Fully-functional Recovery.


- sarthi@longani.in

cleanup.

It has come to my knowledge that several people/shopkeepers/service points are taking money from ignorant public and flashing my ROM onto their tablets.



I had mentioned it before posting, that this is not acceptable. No one has the right to earn from the work I did.



I am, therefore, taking down links of my ROMs.

A polite reminder.

Since I am getting way too many comments and mails regarding CWM/recovery not working with the Jugaad ROM, and that the Vol - + & Power combo is getting stuck on the boot screen, I thought I woould draw everyone's attention to what I wrote in the post dated January 25:

I have not touched the kernel, or the recovery image. This will restore FTM mode to the tablet. CWM won't be available for the time being, till a proper working version is available.

Again I say, you should read before attempting anything, for your own tab's safety. Clockwork MOD or any custom recovery WILL NOT WORK with the default (stock) /modified (Jugaad) ROM for now. We need the kernel sources to be developing on it further. So, kindly DO NOT ATTEMPT to install recoveries, if you are using my instructions dated 25/1/12.

There is NO Section II of steps for Jugaad.

Also, as some of you might have understood, please DO NOT MIX instructions/articles/posts. If anyone still wants CWM or Cyanogen, use 6/12/11 post & files ONLY.

I hope it is clear now.

If someone has mixed up, try booting into FTM mode and re-flash with the Jugaad files and instruction set.

For those people who are not able to access FTM mode:

1. Turn off your tablet.
2. Press and hold both Vol + and - buttons. Without releasing them, press Power. If you look carefully, the red LED will flash for a brief second, but the screen will remain black.
3. Connect your tab to your system and follow the steps for flashing Jugaad again.

Please note, that in this situation, though the tablet should appear in the Device Manager as a DFU port, still it will NOT show green READY in the MultiDL flasher program. This is absolutely normal. You will notice that the flashing will start and finish in some time.

The tab will not reboot automatically. You will have to pull out the battery and insert it again.

4. Now, press Vol - and Power. FTM should come up. Repeat flashing steps AGAIN. This is important in many cases to recover the NV Memory (IMEI etc.).
5. When the second flashing finishes, pull out battery, put it in, and boot again.


Also, I would like to tell you all that I have tried to detail the steps as simply as possible. No special knowledge is required to do all this. Still, if some people are getting problems and most of them aren't, this means you must not have read properly.

For the WiFi: many users have attempted the fix and shared with you the solution in comments. Look for them. If still, you are not able to do it, I will try and compose another article on the WiFi fix. But you must understand that it requires time and effort on my part, and I cannot guarantee you another post soon.

Troubleshooting.

I would like to advise everyone NOT to follow instructions dated December 6, 2011, which describe how to install CyanogenMod on the V9C. That makes wifi/bt/sensors dysfuctional. Since we now have a new ROM, kindly follow the new post.

Also, try to give details about the problems you face, and the steps you tried.

Lately, there is some issue with my new post. In the sense that I am not able to view new comments that are posted. That is why, I have not been able to reply to anyone of you.

I request all to ask your questions via comments, underneath this post, not the original one. Also, kindly leave your e-mail address, as it'll help me to respond quickly.

Someone, in emergency, can write to me at sarthilongani@gmail.com.

PS: The solution for wifi problem is mentioned in the comments of this post. What others suggested is a bit confusing to me also. Look for the comment which I wrote in there regarding wifi. Still, if you have any issues, feel free to ask.

Again, Root and Unlock of the Reliance 3G Tab.

### Every single hardware component is working perfectly as before. ###

This was as perfect as I could go. There is nothing wrong in this ROM.

I am, as usual, not responsible for anything YOU do to YOUR tab. Still, I will try to help to the best of my capabilities. Post a comment for issues/thanks.

/* I request EVERYONE to please do a thorough reading of the previous post dated 07/12/11. Though its procedure has been superseded by this build, but still it is VERY important to understand how the things work. And I'm not going to detail that much again. Spare time, and study. Its only 3300 words. */

If 3,500 people have opened up the original post in the previous one-and-a-half months, I think, to some extent, मेरी महनत रंग लायी।

//It will be good if you try to read this too. A bit more technical post, I agree, but will benefit. Still, if you don't want to, just do the procedure.

= As always, this is free. But still, it took me a considerable time. Twenty hours of work per day. So, if anyone feels like 'donating', he may top-up my cell number with whatever amount he feels like. Its a BSNL.

The person who tries to root and unlock anyone's tab with MY files, taking money for it, will face the wrath of hell. Of course, you can go and help your friends, but please remember, had it been something which could be sold, I would have done it in the first step.

I repeat again. Its MY work. Something I did for MY own tab. Just sharing this with everyone. This ROM is NOT for sale.

$ visit Arpan Deb's blog. Nice read. Funny at times. And there only, it all started.


Happy 63rd Republic Day to all Indians.

To all. Welcome!

Instructions: Section One in my previous post. Steps 1 to 16, only, verbatim. Except, use http://www.4shared.com/zip/nPK-vai1/Jugaad.html instead of the link mentioned in Step 1. Here is the guide, corrected:

1. Download the above file on your desktop and extract it.

2. Turn the tablet off.

3. Press and hold the VOL - button. Without releasing it, press and hold the POWER button also. Do not release any of them for ~15 seconds.

4. This will take you either to the FTM mode, in which big letters with white background will appear on the screen, or the ClockWorkMod recovery, if you had installed CM7. Both scenarios are O.K.

5. Connect the device to the computer with any nicely-working micro-USB cable.

6. Open Start menu, right-click on Computer, select Properties. Click on Device Manager (top left).

7. Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) section. You will see a ZTE Handset Diagnostic Interface (DFU) entry. Note down the COM port number that appears in front of it.

8. Open the folder you extracted the downloaded file to. Start Sales_MultiDL_MSM7227_patched.exe

9. Choose Option -> Port Config and configure the COM on Line 1 -- DIAG to the port number you noted down above. Click OK when finished.

10. If you followed the steps correctly, at 1., you will see your device's name in the SW box and a READY in green at the right. If not, repeat steps 2-9.

11. Choose "Backup NV" in 'Action Mode' and click "Start All". Wait. Now a file called Channel1.nvm will be created in that directory, ~70 KB. Make a copy of it somewhere else, e.g. your Documents folder. This is very important, even though it won't be used normally. Helps you restore accidentally-lost IMEI.

12. Switch action mode to "Download" and click on "SW Directory". Choose the "files" folder, which is inside our extracted to directory. Click OK.

13. Say 'Jai Mata Di' and click "Start All".

14. After 3-4 minutes it should have finished flashing. Disconnect the USB cable and remove the battery from your Tab.

15. Put the battery back after ~10 seconds and power up the device normally, i.e. using only the power button, as you usually do.

Be patient. It will take some time to boot. And here on, its a new set.

16. Complete the V9C First Run Wizard. This will assure you that the touchscreen is working.

You will have to add access point specific to your service provider using the android settings menu.

Changes here, with respect to the Original ZTE Firmware:

1. Rooted.
2. Bootloader Unlocked, i.e. full root access.
3. Changed power-on (splash) image.
4. Changed boot animation (removed the irritating Reliance one).
5. Deleted many applications, which came pre-installed as system apps. They can be re-installed through the market.
6. Changed in-built Launcher with Zeam (lighter, faster).
7. Modified partition table. 275 MB of internal memory now.

Everything else remains same.

Side-effects:
over factory-shipped Reliance tablet: none.
over previous CM7 customized tablet: little slow. no CWM.


Read on for details:

I hope, that most of you have at least read (if not enacted), my previous post. It described some fundamentals, and the not-so-very-easy procedure to unlock the V9C (which is a famous device), and install the infamous CyanogenMod ROM, which is meant for its younger cousin, the V9.

Which, unfortunately, doesn't has a front camera. And an Atheros chipset for Bluetooth & Wi-Fi. And some different sensors. Because of the slightly different hardware, the V9 ROM we flashed was not able to support the Broadcom 4319 chipset, and the front VGA camera.

On android, installing drivers is not as simple as in Windows. An entirely fresh kernel is required. Which by no standards is an easy job. Moreover, we didn't knew what components does the V9C uses, since without a root on the stock ROM, nothing is visible.

Now, the ZTE V9 happens to be a widely sold and supported device, and there is a huge developer community for it. Even those people were unable to help since no one had the stock firmware for V9C. Had we got that, it would have been easier to extract/modify the kernel, root it, and tweak it so that it gets unlocked.

We have it now. And that's exactly what I did.


Facts:

1. ZTE never released the ROM for this device. I talked to them, and they said they won't. Only service centre guys were authorised to have it, but they won't give it to anyone.

2. NO method of unlocking, or NO person, whether working for money or otherwise, is authorized by ZTE. And NOTHING can get your warranty back if they get to know your tab has been unlocked/tweaked/modded/played with. Its clearly mentioned on the Warranty Card.

3. This tab CANNOT be bricked unless specifically intended to. And once it is actually bricked, it goes to a point where it does nothing. No, not even the startup LED. And then the service center promptly attend to it and replace the PCB (mainboard), which makes it exactly like it was. With stock firmware and everything. And that too, for free.

I know this because I myself got this done. But do not attempt till actually required.


Now, the chain of events in January, 2012.

I happened to find a method to extract the system partition out of the tablet. But, since I was running CM7 at that time, I had no way out.

Desperate, I flashed ZTE Blade II firmware on the tab. As expected, bricked. And replaced. Was back on the stock firmware, again. And locked.

Took out the files. I was able to see every single driver and configurations the tab used. Tried coupling them with lots of kernels/boot images. None worked.

The conclusion:

system and boot cannot work independently. There are some parts of the boot.img, which explicitly control how the tablet starts up. So, even though all the files are correct, but since there is no one who knows that they must be loaded, it doesn't start.

Missing my BSNLnet, and root access, I flashed back to CM7, but sitting on top of the /system files. Somehow, they inspired me.

The only guy, who happened to have to have the ROM, won't give it to anyone, since he had made a business out of it. Taking money from people who needed their wi-fi back, just to flash it on the tab. Never handed over the files. Ethically not correct, because even he was not authorized to have it. And we all had as much right as he did.

*चोर के घर में डकैती पड़ी।*

I thank the guy named Jimmy Sidhu with all my heart. HE did it. Took the ROM from the chor and uploaded. Dude, you will be blessed by many.

And then, I was back on work.

When I downloaded the Stock firmware, I was relaxed, since I can now switch at will to tweak things. A simple look into the firmware files had told me that:

1. The lock is in the Stock System Files. As some libraries, supported by something in the NAND chip. Something actually has been hard-coded. I suspected it to be the firmware, since when we earlier flashed it with the V9 set of files, the firmware had also got overwritten. That is why, maybe, other SIMs started working.

2. This cannot be rooted easily. No exploit will work, since the bootloader is locked. i.e. the boot partition has something in it which prevents changes being made to it.

3. Once someone flashes with the Stock, he will obviously have wifi etc. back, but he again will be stuck with the RGSM payload and less internal memory.

Anyhow, I flashed my tab with the Original Firmware shared by jimmy. To my extreme surprise, it was still unlocked.

How did this happen?

As it turned out, yes, there were libraries blocking the SIM slot to a specific operator. But then again, it must be dependent on something.

Its in the V9 Windows Flasher mechanism which we use. Anyone who has watched it work will understand now:

a. It backs up the NVRAM. More commonly called the NV Items, these attributes store the IMEI, MAC addresses, etc. This is later restored to the handset.

b. It deletes EVERYTHING. Absolute zeroing out. This is done by flashing the low-level firmware onto the set. (armprgZTE.bin).

c. It starts loading the files, one by one. NAND is partitioned (partition_zte.mbn). Baseband loaded (amss.mbn). system.img. boot.img. recovery.img. etc.

d. It restores the NV items back.

I thought it was in either the baseband or firmware which locks it. But, actually it was in the NV.

But how does this happens, because flasher restores the items in the end?

*The ZTE windows flasher backs up and restores only those NV items which it is aware of. It somehow, leaves the operator lock aside. When the board is flashed, everything gets deleted, including the lock. Then, when others are written, lock is omitted, since it was never copied.*

This means, that whatever ROM one flashes using that software for the first time, will unlock his tablet forever. Even if it is the original Reliance firmware.

Next, I wanted to root it. Obviously. For the usual benefits. Powerful software, removing irritating operator customizations, and stuff. But more than all this, the internal memory.

As said, no exploit would work.

That left only one option, which I did, and got through many things in the process:


1. I modified the system image. Opened it up, copied root binaries.

2. Deleted orkut/facebook/blah blah etc.

I did this because I wanted to make the system partition as compact as possible. All these apps can be installed later on, easily, on the user data space, if that's sufficiently large enough.

3. Changed the Reliance boot animation. (I HATED IT!!!). The new one seems nice to me, and is good for a change.

4. Changed the default, buggy, space-hogging launcher with a minimalistic, blazing fast one, for starters.

5. Reduced the size of the system partition image to ~130MB from ~195MB. Re-packed it.

6. Modified the boot image to make it insecure. In other words, unlocked the bootloader.

7. Modified the splash image. You'll get to know what it is.

8. Removed a few ringtones, apart from the pre-installed XT9 keyboard input method, since these were taking up a lot of space. Had to do it.

9. Modified the partition table. This was, by far, the most complicated and difficult part. The new ones stand as follows (I'm specifying only the important ones):

RECOVERY : 6 MB
BOOT : 4 MB
CACHE : 32 MB
SYSTEM : 136 MB
DATA : 273 MB

Data is the internal memory, on which application and their temporary files/caches are stored. Many people have said that the Reliance Tab's memory is insufficient. This was just an oversight in partitioning by the original programmers.

Those who used the CM7 guide in between must have realized that having ample userdata space actually takes away the daily disprin one might need otherwise. And I didn't want them to feel cramped again. Hence the repartitioning, and deletion of pre-installed system apps.

PLEASE DON'T CRIB ABOUT IT. Every single application which I deleted from the stock, was either useless, or can be installed again. It actually improves stability if apps do not work out from the system area. Still, if someone still uses Orkut, please re-install it from the market. Nothing is lost.

***ALL SYSTEM CORE FILES, FIRMWARES, CONFIGS, FRAMEWORKS, ESSENTIAL APPS, ARE STILL THERE***. This is just to make you believe that you are still using the Original Software.

The previous guide made use of the CyanogenMod ROMs and kallt_kaffe's (swedroid.se) custom partitioning table.

This one, has everything edited by me and myself. The only contribution I had was the stock ZTE V9C Reliance firmware. If anyone is to curse or bless, it will fall on me solely.

By slow, I mean comparing to a CM7-installed tab. NOT THE STOCK. This ROM, which I made, will for sure be faster than the original one, since it is rooted. But slower than the Cyanogen. Due to overclocking not being there.

I have not touched the kernel, or the recovery image. This will restore FTM mode to the tablet. CWM won't be available for the time being, till a proper working version is available.

Please respect the power of #. It can do anything to a perfectly OK-working installation. So, think before you type 'su'.

My work is not finished yet. This was the first release. Next, I have to overclock the kernel. Maybe port it to CyanogenMod. Compile a custom recovery. ICS. And what not...


Signing off.

Take Care.

Root, Unlock and install CyanogenMod on the Reliance 3G Tab - ZTE V9C

/* Statutory Warning: Though I will try my best to help, but I, or anyone else, is not responsible  for any damage that you willingly, or unwillingly, commit to your device. */

// This will also void any kind of warranty that Reliance MIGHT have given you otherwise.

//  Also, I tend not to write, but if I do, it goes a bit lengthy. Kindly bear the torture and read the entire stuff before proceeding with anything. My aim is not to get over with it, but to make people understand what they are doing. I do not wish to be cursed by anyone.

I know I have kept everyone waiting, but finally got the time to write. Namashkaar!

The news is that, I have managed to install a custom ROM on my Reliance 3G Tab a.k.a. ZTE V9C, and hence rooted and unlocked it. Though its not complete, its running well, and I'm able to do my day-to-day work, better than before.

Quadrant score of 1172.

I'm writing here a review-cum-guide for all interested (which I presume will be a considerable % of the Indian tablet users :D ).

So about the device: Awesome piece, more than a gadget. Since i ordered it three months ago, I have sparingly used my laptop.

+ :

1. Excellent display. Best in its class.

To all those who crib about it being 800x480: Get a life! I have used many android-based cellphones in the 10-15K range, most of them having the same or higher resolution. But none fared as good as this. In a display, color rendering and brightness matter more than its resolution.

The Tab surpassed everyone's expectations: Awesome colors. Delight to work and play on. Very smooth playback, even without rooting. Though not good as an iPhone, the screen's clarity is comparable with a BlackBerry handset. Better than all Nokias and 98% Samsungs.

Heck, the display is as large as four 3.5" screens placed together with the cost of one.

2. Decent built and finish.

As soon as you open the box, the presumption vanishes that its a cheap device. It is VERY well crafted. People actually look at you when you take it out. Can easily hold it with one hand. Made by the same company who manufactured the original Galaxy 7" Tabs, and in many places, a derivative of that only, its a level better than its predecessor.

Its overall design and shape is almost similar to the Samsung Tab. But the V9C manages to get a better face value because of the narrower borders on the longer side of the screen. Because of this very reason, it feels like an overgrown smartphone rather than a small tablet. Also, light enough to carry around at ~400gms. The iPad, on the other hand, is certainly not portable. V9C is. I slip it into my jeans pocket most of the time.

Summary: My first impression was, yaar, it's smart. A bigger 3GS. :->

3. Has EveryThing. !?!

Come on, almost everything which comes out in the markets nowadays, from a basic 1280 to a Micra, lacks some or the other feature. Not this time.

ZTE has managed to squeeze in every technology it could find. Its gift to Reliance has:

a. 7" screen, 800x480, multi-touch capacitive. 160 ppi.
b. 3G/2G voice, data and SMS (works as a phone too).
c. In-built GPS.
d. Bluetooth.
e. Wi-Fi.
f. 3-axis Accelerometer.
g. Gravity sensor.
h. 3-axis Magnetic field sensor.
i. Orientation Sensor.
j. Ambient Light sensor.
k. Linear acceleration sensor.
l. Rotation Vector sensor.
m. 3.15 MP rear camera.
n. 640x480 (VGA) front camera.
o. Qualcomm MSM-7227-T processor (rated at 800MHz).
p. Qualcomm Adreno 200 GPU (YES, it has it!).
q. 512 MB RAM.
r. 3400 mAh battery, with 9hours of juice.
s. Dolby surround speakers.
t. MicroSD expansion upto 32GB.

Phew!!!...

4. Marathon battery.

Even before the root, I have watched three full-length movies, back-to-back on a single charge, with appropriate brightness settings, airplane mode on and headphones. Seven hours straight. Matters, considering the fact that display and processor are the most power-hogging components.

With average use, i.e. surfing the net, using the usual apps, music playback, and couple of hours of gaming, it gives you more than the rated nine hours. Needs to be charged only once a day. An overnight charge typically suffices for the next eighteen hours. The situation is even better after the root.

5. Very smooth video playback.

Its a delight to watch movies on. Seven inches is also large enough for the purpose, provided one holds it at a comfortable distance from the eye.

6. Enough power under the hood for everyday use.

For those who proceed to root, you will realize how much capability the processor has.

7. Reliance GSM Connection.

Believe it or not, I was getting satisfactory speeds for all purposes over RCOM's 2G connection. Best part is, they offer 6 GBs of usage in 99/-, which I guess is the highest in India. And the bandwidth I got in UPW used up my entire quota.

Now, though I love my Tab, it does (did, before the root) has a few -s, which I am going to list here, since this is supposed to be an honest review:

-1. Its delicate. Both the backpanel and the screen are scratch-prone if not taken care of. But that can be solved by laminating it with guards, which I got done on day one itself.

And then, which beauty doesn't needs to be handled with care? ;-)

-2. Locked to Reliance.                    Eewww. That sounded bad. They say its a hardware lock? Wait and watch.

-3. Not enough powerful processor.  Wait, it was supposed to be 800 MHz, right??

-4. Can not be rooted.                     (Slap! To the stupid firmware Reliance shipped it with).

-5. No video calling!!!
 

Why the hell did they install a front camera if its only purpose was to be a mirror? None of the video chat apps (Skype, fring, etc.) recognize either of the cameras.

-6. No graphics card.                      (Oh, shut up. Didn't he just say it had one? ).

-7. Plays only mp4 videos. Other AVI players don't seem to work well either.

-8. Low internal memory.

That was a not-so-brief intro.

Q. Why should we unlock?

A. You might want to use your old number(s) with the Tab. Maybe use it as a spare phone too. You might not be happy with the RGSM coverage in your area. Or, you want to use 3G, because of which you purchased this Tab, but there's no 3G by Reliance in your circle / bad 3G by Reliance / You simply don't want to pay them for anything.

I did it because I have always used BSNL's 2G data plans for internet usage. It has the same packs all over India, has the actual countrywide coverage, has the largest 3G network, doesn't charges you roaming, and allows you to use UMTS/HSDPA signals even if you are a 2G subscriber.

Q. What does that mean?

A. Connection speed on your SIM is defined by the servers on the basis of tariff you subscribe to. But, the passage that speed enjoys is different for 3G and 2G signals. BSNL, doesn't restricts you from its 3G network simple because you didn't cough up your entire pocket money to pay for a tariff. Even if you paid 98/- for a month, you can still switch your mobile/tablet/datacard's network mode to UMTS and be on the more stable signals. Others (e.g. Airtel) won't even register your SIM card on a UMTS network.

To put it in layman terms, 2G is an Alto and 3G is a Honda City. BSNL allows you to use a 10-lane expressway even if you drive an Alto. You can be more free, avoid collisions (disconnections), and throttle up to the full capability of your car (use the theoretically possible maximum speed for EDGE, ~260 Kbps), without having to pay more than five times the price and fuel cost.

Q. What is a 'root' for an android device?

A. Android, like many others, is based off a linux kernel. And Tux, is a shy lady. It doesn't allows you to play with it beyond your permissions, to save itself from accidental damage. IF you really need to do it, then you have to log in as a 'superuser', or su, so that you are able to make system-wide changes, and even modify the core files. Once logged in as su, you are called to have 'root' access, and hence, you can install any application or remove any stuff, even if it directly affects the system files.

Same is true here. I view android as another linux distro, like fedora or ubuntu. Which it is. It is good, yes. But it can be very, very dangerous, for those who don't know what they are doing.

Q. Why should we root?

A. To open up your device. Customize it as per your will. Make it reach its maximum capabilities. Install those variety of apps which can do interesting stuff. Overclock.

The Reliance 3G Tab needs a root foremost to remove the Skin and other customizations, which REALLY slow the UI down. Not usually, but very often. Reliance, apart from forcing their irritating skin, has kinda disabled the GPU, and limited the processor to 620 Mhz. I have no freaking idea why they did so. Maybe to enhance the battery thoroughput.

Also, I wished to see, what all can it do for me. How many -ve can I null out. And I was not disappointed.

Q. How do we do it?

A. The bitter truth: There is no real root for the stock 2.3.4, with which our Reliance V9C is shipped. All the z4root's and SuperOneClick's don't work. The only way to gain root is, install a custom ROM which is, in principle, pre-rooted.

General procedure is: root an android -> install ClockWorkMod (CWM) -> backup your stock -> install CyanogenMod (CM).

But, since as I said, we can't root this tablet, the biggest problem we will face is we won't be able to backup the shipped ROM. Hence, we lose all the drivers of our device, and because neither RCOM nor ZTE are willing to release the ROM/update, we will have to rely on experts to solve our issues for some more time to come.

Q. ROM? CWM?? CM??? WTH????

A. Android devices are abundant in nature. There are many species floating around. Each of them has different hardware capabilities. So, a manufacturer needs to modify the source android (crafted by Google), add/remove bits as per need, load appropriate drivers and applications, and then create a new distro (version of an operating system), which is specific to the device he is creating.

This OS, is then packed, and loaded on every device's Read-Only Memory area. So, the OS, alongwith the code required to boot it, the hardware-specific firmware, all combine to form the ROM, as we generally call it, since it is a package of everything that resides on the device's actual ROM.

Ever since your age-old desktops, or PCs appeared, there are OSes. These OSes needs something to load them, which is able to interact directly with the machine, and tell it that this is where the OS lives, and this is how to get it running. This code is called a bootloader. Even windows has it, problem is it isn't accessible at all. Linux's GRUB, on the other hand, is a very powerful tool, and can be customised to load anything on the planet. Even load/install/recover something which doesn't exists on your system.

Every android device comes with a manufacture-installed recovery tool, used in case something wrong happens, and you wish to restore. CWM is a variety of the recovery tool, which can do a LOT. It can install a new ROM, tweak the bootloader to load it, make a backup of your device's exact state, restore from a backup, etc. etc.

CWM needs to be installed on the recovery area of the device. For this, you need root. Once CWM is in place, you can install any ROM you wish, as long as it is capable with the device. You can even backup your system's default ROM to restore from it in case anything goes wrong, or you are simply not happy.

CyanogenMod is a custom ROM, developed by an open community. Many people, including me, believe that a CM ROM is always better than the stock ROM your manufacturer gave. Reason is, it is managed and upgraded continuously by active developers. It allows a lot of customizations which could never be expected from Google.

In our case, we have no other option till date. We have to go with CM.

As with any ROM, we need CWM to load CM.

We will, in due course, be loading the latest, stable, CM7.1 (2.3.7) release for the ZTE V9.

**This guy missed out the 'C'. He said V9**

No, I didn't. We will have to get the CM7 for V9. Simple reason for that is: Cyanogen community has till now, not developed a specific ROM for our dear V9C.

V9C has been given by ZTE to only two providers till date: India's Reliance and Taiwan's TWM. So, maybe, someday, something is made for the V9C too. My friends in the IITs, help!!!

The ZTE V9 is a tablet, much similar like ours. Its predecessor, to be precise. Looks the same. But it has a resistive screen instead of a capacitive. 600 MHz processor. No GPU. 2 MP rear camera. No front camera. It has been around for more than an year now, and has been sold worldwide. That is why more people are developing for it.

Now, the procedure. It will work well if you have not done ANY attempts to root it till now.

*!* WARNING:

Loading the current CM7 might make your tab awesome, but WiFi, Bluetooth, Front Cam and the Sensors will STOP working. I repeat, these four components will NOT work, till we find fixes/solutions/drivers for them, which will be soon.

I am happy, and even if someone offered me to go back to the stock ROM, I won't. Because I'm loving the overclocking and BSNL HSDPA and louder volume from speakers and faster UI and AVI videos and all those 'root required' apps. The front camera was useless anyways. I don't use BT/WiFi at all. Can live without sensors.

Section I: Get rid of the stock.

//This part requires a desktop/laptop/netbook/whatever running Windows 7 preferably. I have renounced XP years ago, so don't even exactly remember how it worked.

//A stable internet connection is a must to download files. Any error while downloading can corrupt the ROM and render your device useless.

1. Download the following file on your desktop:  http://www.mediafire.com/?hi7rhddjb2j33iv . Extract the contents to a separate folder.

2. Turn the device off.

3. Press and hold the VOL - button. Without releasing it, press and hold the POWER button also. Do not release any of them for ~15 seconds.

4. This will take you to the FTM mode. Big letters with white background will appear on the screen.

5. Connect the device to the computer with the USB cable that came along.

6. Open Start menu, right-click on Computer, select Properties. Click on Device Manager (top left).

7. Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) section. You will see a ZTE Handset Diagnostic Interface (DFU) entry. Note down the COM port number that appears in front of it.

8. Open the folder you extracted the downloaded file to. Start Sales_MultiDL_MSM7227_patched.exe

9. Choose Option -> Port Config and configure the COM on Line 1 -- DIAG to the port number you noted down above. Click OK when finished.

10. If you followed the steps correctly, at 1., you will see your device's name in the SW box and a READY in green at the right. If not, repeat steps 2-9.

11. Choose "Backup NV" in 'Action Mode' and click "Start All". Wait. Now a file called Channel1.nvm will be created in that directory, ~70 KB. Make a copy of it somewhere else, e.g. your Documents folder.

12. Switch action mode to "Download" and click on "SW Directory". Choose the "files" folder, which is inside our extracted to directory. Click OK.

13. Say 'Jai Mata Di' and click "Start All".

14. After 3-4 minutes it should have finished flashing. Disconnect the USB cable and remove the battery from your Tab.

15. Put the battery back after ~10 seconds and power up the device normally, i.e. using only the power button, as you usually do.

Be patient. It will take some time to boot.

16. Complete the V9 First Run Wizard. This will assure you that the touchscreen is working.

This will also install ClockWork recovery 4.0.1.4. Later on that.

You now have your tablet working back again. At this stage, it is rooted and unlocked. Congrats!!

The good thing is, we have managed to increase the user data space (which you call Internal Memory), to ~300 MB. You can verify the same from Settings -> Storage.

Why should you take further trouble? Because I realized that even my rear camera was not working fine with this edition of CM7. All green display. You can check it for yourself. 

Also, feel free to put your favorite SIM card and boot the tablet. It should be working.

Section II: Updating CWM.

The above procedure formatted EVERYthing on your device. Even the FTM mode. Now, if you (try, not mandatory) do steps 2 and 3 above, you will see a menu instead, showing ClockWork 4.0.1.4. Though you will be able to move around with the volume buttons, you will not be able to select anything, since there is no physical Home button. That is why, we need to update CWM with a V9-specific version. Pull out and insert battery again, thereafter boot the tab in normal mode to continue:

17. On your computer, download http://android.podtwo.com/recovery/recovery-clockwork-4.0.1.5-v9-gen2-update_signed.zip and extract it to your desktop.

18. Rename the extracted file from 'whatever'.img to recovery.img  .

19. Download http://android.podtwo.com/recoverymanager/RecoveryManager_v0.37b.zip also and extract it to desktop.

20. Connect Tab to computer via USB cable. A few notifications will appear. Open the notification area, select 'Copy files to/from Computer', and enable Mass Storage mode (this was for those who didn't knew how to copy files to SD card thru USB).

21. Your SD card should appear in your Computer as a removable drive. Open it, and Copy both the Recovery Manager APK and the recovery.img to your SD card. Not inside any folder, just paste it in the open.

22. Turn off USB Storage on your tab. Disconnect the cable.

23. Open Settings -> Applications. Ensure the Unknown sources checkbox at the top is ticked. Do it if it isn't.

24. Open File Manager, and in the SD card, select the Recovery Manager APK. Select 'Install'.

25. In your launcher menu now, you should be able to see Recovery Manager. Open it.

26. Select 'Recovery' at the top -> Install Recovery.

27. In a few seconds, it should be able to show you the 'recovery.img' you copied to the SD card. Select it. Accept the warning. The system should reboot after sometime.

28. Repeat steps 2 & 3. You should see CWM 4.0.1.5 installed, instructing you to use the power button now instead of home.

Remove battery, and boot normally.

Section III: Installing CyanogenMod Stable.

29. On your computer, download http://download.cyanogenmod.com/get/update-cm-7.1.0-V9-signed.zip.

30. Do step 20 above. Copy the downloaded file to your SD card. Do step 22.

31. Turn off the tablet.

32. Repeat steps 2 & 3.

33. Using the volume buttons, select 'install zip from sdcard'. Press the power button to click.

34. Press power again to select 'choose zip from sdcard'.

35. Navigate down and select the update-cm-7.1.0-V9-signed.zip file you just copied.

36. Navigate to the 'Yes - ' and press power. Wait.

37. After it is completed, pull the battery and back. Boot normally.

What you get now is what you will live with for some more time. Customize it as you usually do. Feel free to explore and play around with the CM7 settings. Its a very stable ROM. This should also give you the Android Market once you register a Gmail account (notify me if it doesn't). Some tweaks I'll be suggesting you in any case.

Section IV: Dressing up.

//All the apps mentioned are free, and available from Market, unless stated otherwise.

=. The ADW Launcher CM comes with is very buggy on V9C. Install Launcher Pro from the market and change its preferences accordingly. Its fast as hell.

=. CPU Master Free: Must-have. Slide its minimum to 320 MHz and maximum to the full - 864 MHz. Scaling ondemand. Select apply. You'll feel the difference.

=. MoboPlayer: for the AVI files. And even mp4. Its better than the built-in video player.

=. By now, you must have realized that your screen is not rotating by itself or any other method. All the menus and most of the apps open in portrait. Even the default video player doesn't switches to landscape (mobo does, though). But landscape is required, isn't it?

Download an app called Orientation Control. Its the only one which can do our job. Its paid in the market, though if you feel like, you can try downloading it from here:

http://www.4shared.com/get/jnCJKOL-/Orientation_Control_wwweusouan.html

This helps you to switch between portrait and landscape modes as and when you desire. Makes the loss of the sensors much more bearable.

=. Quadrant Standard: Most decent benchmarking app.

=. GPS Essentials and GPS Test: both useful.

=. Titanium Backup: Compulsory ingredient, if you plan to play with ROMs later also. No one wants to download

applications again and again, so this will save your day.

=. Hardware Info.

=. Screen Filter: Thanks arpan for the tip! Actually comes in handy.

=. Opera Mobile: It is the best. No second thoughts about that.

=. Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Adobe Reader, aDownloader, fring, skype, Indian Rail, Fancy Widgets, and our very own, Angry Birds!! KaKawww!!! :->